Law #22 – Give In, Never Up; or, Defeat is the Path to Victory

Early in the 18th-century, the French writer, philosopher and historian Voltaire found himself exiled in England.  Walking through the streets one day he was surrounded by an angry mob agitating for his death.  Voltaire remained calm, declaring to the crowd:  “Men of England!  You wish to kill me because I am a Frenchman.  Am I …

Self-imposed First World Problems

Like most issues related to be human in Western society, this is a self-inflicted wound, one which makes no sense and for which no one in power (see: masters of mankind) has provided a viable, sustainable option. Ahh, the conundrum of childcare. Society insists that breeding is necessary to maintain the aforesaid society, while yet …

Law #21 – Stupid Is as Stupid Does, or the Law of Forrest Gump

On a Friday morning in New York City, a woman entered a bank and asked for the loan officer, explaining that she needed some cash and wanted to use her $500,000 Rolls Royce, parked right outside, as collateral.  She ultimately borrowed $5,000 for two years, at an annual interest rate of 10-percent, and handed the …

If It Can Be Driven, Flown, Floated, or Fornicated – Borrow & Return

A line from a short-lived cable TV series offered some advice to young pro athletes that was truly offensive but factual … if one can drive it, fly it, float it, or (fornicate with) it, don’t buy it, just borrow it for a while then give back (to the owner? to the streets?) when done. …

Fear Not the Future (Well, Maybe a Little)

One of the biggest impediments to getting out of debt is the opinions/judgments/attitudes of others … “How did this happen?” … “Why so much?” … “Where did all that money go?” … “Could never happen to [insert name of wise & learned person who lives free of any & all mistakes]” … So whether one …

Law #20 – Freebird, or Both Sides of the Middle

Only 25 upon ascension to the English throne in 1558, Queen Elizabeth I was awash with the attentions of men.  The king of Spain, the Earl of Sussex, the king of Sweden, the Earl of Leicester, the whole of Parliament, most of Europe’s ruling elite … all were consumed with the notion of whom she …

No, Actually.  Just Don’t

Well, lookee here.  Turns out – prolly don’t need to spend that on that ‘cuz that is mostly unnecessary. Huh. What was that perfect gem of GOD advice?  Don’t spend.  On p.314 (no pi for you – heh) Mr. Edelman explains that virtually all expenses are optional. Huh.  Well, lookee there. $100 lawn service?  Optional. …